A system and approach for remote reading, setting and control of devices such as thermostats. A phone, such as a smartphone, a gateway and a cloud may be incorporated relative to interaction with the device or devices. The gateway may have a hub that has bluetooth communication capabilities with the device. The hub may be connected to a router that in turn is connected to a cloud in a wireless or wired manner. The phone may communicate with the cloud to achieve interaction with the device. The hub may also handle WiFi communications. The gateway may instead be a phone that contains an app which lets operate as a gateway for communications with the cloud. There may be one or more devices that are a part of one or more home area networks that are connected to a gateway via bluetooth and WiFi, and in turn connected to the cloud.
Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A thermostat system comprising: a thermostat having bluetooth capability; a hub having a direct bluetooth connection with the thermostat without the direct bluetooth connection going through any home area network, and having WiFi capability; a router having a WiFi connection with the hub and having a connection with a cloud for transactions on cloud computing; and a smart phone or tablet having a WiFi connection with the cloud; and wherein: the smart phone or tablet configured to transmit and receive signals to and from the thermostat; the hub provides gateways to the cloud for remote access and data warehousing; the hub further provides gateways to one or more additional bluetooth devices; the one or more additional bluetooth devices are connected to a first home area network, and wherein the hub provides gateways to the one or more additional bluetooth devices through the first home area network; and one or more WiFi devices are connected to a second home area network, and wherein the hub provides gateways to the one or more WiFi devices through the second home area network.
The thermostat system addresses the need for seamless integration of smart home devices, particularly thermostats, with cloud-based remote access and local area networks. The system includes a thermostat with Bluetooth capability, a hub with both Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity, a router connected to the cloud, and a smartphone or tablet for user interaction. The thermostat communicates directly with the hub via Bluetooth, bypassing the home area network for direct, low-latency control. The hub acts as a gateway, enabling the thermostat to connect to the cloud through the router for remote access and data storage. Additionally, the hub facilitates communication with other Bluetooth devices on a first home area network and WiFi devices on a second home area network, allowing centralized management of diverse smart home devices. This architecture ensures efficient data routing, reduces network congestion, and provides a unified interface for controlling multiple devices across different protocols. The system enhances smart home functionality by integrating Bluetooth and WiFi devices under a single hub, simplifying user interaction and expanding remote access capabilities.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the smart phone and the thermostat within a certain proximity of each other are capable of having peer to peer communication over bluetooth.
A system enables wireless communication between a smartphone and a thermostat when they are within a certain proximity of each other. The thermostat includes a Bluetooth module for peer-to-peer communication with the smartphone, allowing direct data exchange without requiring an intermediary network. This setup facilitates local control and monitoring of the thermostat through the smartphone, enhancing user convenience and reducing reliance on external networks. The proximity-based communication ensures secure and efficient interaction, particularly in environments where network connectivity may be limited or unreliable. The system may also include additional features such as energy monitoring, remote scheduling, and automated temperature adjustments based on user preferences or environmental conditions. The peer-to-peer Bluetooth connection enables real-time adjustments and status updates, improving the overall functionality and responsiveness of the thermostat. This approach simplifies installation and reduces costs by eliminating the need for additional hardware or complex network configurations. The system is particularly useful in residential and commercial settings where seamless and secure local control of HVAC systems is desired.
3. The system of claim 1 , further comprising: one or more additional hubs; and wherein each of the one or more additional hubs has bluetooth connection to the thermostat.
A system for managing multiple thermostats in a building includes a central hub that communicates with a thermostat via a Bluetooth connection. The system further includes one or more additional hubs, each of which also maintains a Bluetooth connection to the thermostat. This configuration allows for redundant communication paths, ensuring reliable data transmission between the thermostat and the central hub. The additional hubs can act as backup nodes, maintaining connectivity even if the primary hub experiences interference or failure. The system may be used in environments where stable wireless communication is critical, such as large buildings or areas with high electromagnetic interference. The thermostat may be a smart thermostat capable of adjusting heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) settings based on user preferences or environmental conditions. The additional hubs may also relay data to the central hub, improving signal strength and coverage. This setup enhances system robustness and ensures continuous monitoring and control of the thermostat.
4. The system of claim 3 , further comprising one or more devices having bluetooth connection to each of the one or more additional hubs.
This thermostat system enables remote control and data exchange. It features a Bluetooth-enabled thermostat, a hub, a router, a cloud, and a smartphone/tablet. The hub connects directly to the thermostat via Bluetooth (without using a home area network) and also has WiFi. The router connects to the hub via WiFi and to the cloud for computing transactions. The smartphone/tablet connects to the cloud via WiFi, allowing it to send/receive signals to/from the thermostat. The hub serves as a gateway, providing remote access and data warehousing to the cloud. It also acts as a gateway for other Bluetooth devices (connected to a first home area network) and other WiFi devices (connected to a second home area network). Extending this, the system additionally incorporates one or more *additional* hubs, where each of these additional hubs can establish a Bluetooth connection with the thermostat. Crucially, the system further includes one or more devices that connect via Bluetooth to *each* of these additional hubs.
5. The system of claim 3 , further comprising one or more devices having a WiFi connection to each of the one or more additional hubs.
A system for wireless communication and data transfer includes a primary hub and one or more additional hubs, each equipped with a WiFi interface. The primary hub is configured to establish a wireless connection with at least one device, while the additional hubs are capable of forming a mesh network with the primary hub. This mesh network allows for extended wireless coverage and improved data routing. The system further includes one or more devices that connect to the additional hubs via WiFi, enabling seamless communication across the network. The primary hub may also function as a gateway to external networks, such as the internet, while the additional hubs can relay data between devices and the primary hub. This setup enhances network reliability and coverage, particularly in environments where direct connections to the primary hub are limited. The system is designed to optimize wireless performance by dynamically adjusting connections and routing data efficiently through the mesh network.
6. The system of claim 1 , wherein: the hub provides a continuous connection of the thermostat to the cloud.
A system for thermostat connectivity includes a hub that maintains a continuous connection between a thermostat and a cloud-based server. The thermostat is designed to control heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in residential or commercial buildings. The continuous connection ensures real-time monitoring, remote access, and automated adjustments of the thermostat settings. The hub acts as an intermediary device, facilitating communication between the thermostat and the cloud server, even when the thermostat itself lacks direct internet connectivity. This setup allows for seamless integration with smart home systems, enabling users to control their HVAC systems remotely via mobile devices or other connected platforms. The continuous connection also supports firmware updates, diagnostics, and energy usage tracking, enhancing the overall efficiency and functionality of the thermostat. The system addresses the need for reliable, uninterrupted communication between thermostats and cloud-based services, ensuring consistent performance and user convenience.
7. The system of claim 1 , wherein: one or more additional smartphones configured to be connected to the thermostat via the cloud, the router and the hub; and the one or more additional smart phones are registered with the thermostat via a pairing procedure.
This invention relates to a smart thermostat system that integrates with multiple smartphones via a cloud-based network. The system addresses the need for remote control and monitoring of thermostat settings by allowing multiple users to interact with the thermostat through their smartphones. The thermostat connects to a hub and a router, which facilitate communication with the cloud. Additional smartphones can be connected to the thermostat through this network, enabling multiple users to access and adjust the thermostat settings remotely. Each smartphone must be registered with the thermostat via a pairing procedure to ensure secure and authorized access. This setup allows for centralized control and monitoring of the thermostat from various locations, improving convenience and energy management in smart home environments. The system ensures that only registered devices can interact with the thermostat, maintaining security and preventing unauthorized access. The cloud-based architecture enables seamless communication between the thermostat and the smartphones, regardless of their physical location, provided they have internet access. This multi-user capability enhances usability for households or businesses where multiple individuals need access to the thermostat settings.
8. The system of claim 1 , wherein: a registered smartphone configured to update data about the thermostat to the cloud; and the registered smart phone configured to change parameters of the thermostat.
A system for remote thermostat control and monitoring involves a registered smartphone communicating with a thermostat and a cloud-based platform. The smartphone is configured to update thermostat data, such as temperature settings, schedules, and operational status, to the cloud. Additionally, the smartphone allows users to modify thermostat parameters, including temperature setpoints, scheduling preferences, and other operational settings. This system enables remote management of the thermostat, ensuring real-time data synchronization and user control over heating and cooling systems. The integration with cloud services facilitates centralized data storage, remote access, and potential automation features. The smartphone acts as an interface for both monitoring and adjusting the thermostat, enhancing user convenience and energy efficiency. This approach addresses the need for remote thermostat management, allowing users to control and monitor their HVAC systems from anywhere with internet access. The system leverages existing smartphone capabilities to provide seamless interaction with the thermostat, reducing the need for physical interaction with the device.
9. A thermostat system comprising: a thermostat having bluetooth capability; a hub having a direct bluetooth connection with the thermostat without the direct bluetooth connection going through any home area network, and having WiFi capability; a router having a WiFi connection with the hub and having a connection with a cloud for transactions on cloud computing; and a smart phone or tablet having a WiFi connection with the cloud; and wherein: the smart phone or tablet configured to transmit and receive signals to and from the thermostat; one or more additional smartphones configured to be connected to the thermostat via a direct connection from a first smart phone of the one or more additional smartphones to the cloud and from the cloud to the thermostat, via a direct connection from a second smart phone of the one or more additional smartphones to the router and from the router to the thermostat, or via a direct connection from a third smart phone of the one or more additional smartphones to the hub and from the hub to the thermostat; the hub is configured to provide gateways to one or more WiFi devices and one or more bluetooth devices; and the one or more additional smart phones are registered with the thermostat via a pairing procedure.
This invention relates to a thermostat system designed to enhance connectivity and control flexibility in smart home environments. The system addresses the problem of limited direct communication options between thermostats and user devices, often requiring complex network configurations or reliance on home area networks (HANs). The solution involves a thermostat with Bluetooth capability, a hub with both Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity, a router connected to the cloud, and a primary smartphone or tablet. The thermostat communicates directly with the hub via Bluetooth, bypassing the HAN, while the hub connects to the router via WiFi, enabling cloud-based transactions. The primary smartphone or tablet communicates with the thermostat through the cloud, router, or hub, depending on the connection path. Additional smartphones can also connect to the thermostat via multiple pathways: directly through the cloud, through the router, or through the hub. The hub acts as a gateway for both WiFi and Bluetooth devices, and all additional smartphones must be registered with the thermostat via a pairing procedure. This system ensures robust, flexible control of the thermostat from multiple devices without relying solely on a home network.
10. A thermostat system comprising: a thermostat having bluetooth capability; a hub having a direct bluetooth connection with the thermostat without the direct bluetooth connection going through any home area network, and having WiFi capability; a router having a WiFi connection with the hub and having a connection with a cloud for transactions on cloud computing; and a smart phone or tablet having a WiFi connection with the cloud; and wherein: the smart phone or tablet configured to transmit and receive signals to and from the thermostat; a registered smartphone configured to update data about the thermostat to the cloud; the registered smart phone configured to change parameters of the thermostat; the hub provides gateways to one or more additional bluetooth devices and one or more WiFi devices; and the one or more additional bluetooth devices are connected to a first home area network, and wherein the hub provides gateways to the one or more additional bluetooth devices through the first home area network.
This invention relates to a thermostat system designed to enhance connectivity and control within a smart home environment. The system addresses the challenge of integrating Bluetooth-enabled thermostats with broader home automation networks while maintaining efficient data transmission and device management. The thermostat includes Bluetooth capability for local communication, while a dedicated hub facilitates direct Bluetooth connections with the thermostat, bypassing the home area network (HAN) for faster, more reliable communication. The hub also supports WiFi connectivity, linking to a router that connects to a cloud computing platform. A smartphone or tablet, connected to the cloud via WiFi, enables remote monitoring and control of the thermostat, including parameter adjustments and data updates. The hub further acts as a gateway for additional Bluetooth and WiFi devices, integrating them into the HAN. This architecture ensures seamless communication between the thermostat and other smart devices while optimizing network efficiency and reducing latency. The system simplifies smart home management by centralizing control through a cloud-based interface, allowing users to manage multiple devices from a single application.
Cooperative Patent Classification codes for this invention.
August 7, 2015
June 23, 2020
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